Ruth Elaine Mccolley

Ruth Elaine McColley, age 75, of Hanover, Illinois passed away peacefully at her daughters home in Camanche, Iowa surrounded by her loving family and the care of Genesis Hospice. A Funeral Mass will be held 11am Thursday, May 9, 2024 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savanna with Father Chris Kuhn as Celebrant. Visitation will be 9 – 10:45am, prior to the service at Law Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. Inurnment will be at a later date in St. John’s Cemetery. Memorials may be made in her memory.

Ruth was born October 11, 1948, the daughter of Earl and Mary (Richmond) Chadwick. The family lived in Hazel Green, Wisconsin until moving to Savanna. She attended Savanna High School, where she played the trombone in the high school band. As a young lady she was also interested in photography and was a champion archer. On June 4, 1966, Ruth married Richard McColley at St. John’s Catholic Church, Savanna. They raised seven children and celebrated 57 years of marriage.

Ruth was oldest of eleven siblings. The house was a busy place. She helped to raise her younger siblings , learning a good work ethic. Her dedication, commitment, and integrity did not go unnoticed. She loved to garden, bake, and can food. Then later in her forties, she worked for Swiss Colony for almost 20 year. Ruth enjoyed playing and listening to music. She kept an extensive library of musical recordings as a hobby. She and Richard operated a booth at the Fulton Flea Market for many years selling old albums. Ruth was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Her family appreciated her for being the greatest cook in the world, always able to make whatever they had wonderful. She had a beautiful sassy spirit that kept everyone in-line. Ruth worked hard to pass her faith to her children, she was steadfast and patient, her kids and grandchildren will be forever grateful. Her grandchildren remember her always being there, especially her cooking and the snacks – She had the best snacks, per her grandchildren. Her biggest joy was helping to care for the grandchildren as the family grew.

She will be dearly missed by her husband Richard McColley; six children, Christine (Calvin) Leitzen of Camanche, Iowa, Shawn McColley of Lebanon, Missouri, Bobbi Jo (Ron) Wilson of Camanche, Iowa, Tracy Hook (Bill Duggan) of Hanover, Illinois, Russell McColley of Hanover, Illinois and Sally (Jesse) Tague of Lebanon, Missouri; 26 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, several step-grandchildren; nine siblings, Jack (Diane) Chadwick, Vivian Chadwick, Kenneth (Sharon) Chadwick, Janice (Ron) Deyo, James (Joy) Chadwick, Joyce Marken, David (Cecile) Chadwick, MaryAnn (David) Williams and Bill Chadwick.; and several nieces and nephews.

Ruth is preceded in death by both parents; two sons, Richard Jr. and Seth; two grandchildren, Trevor and Courtney; a great-granddaughter, Alexia; and a brother, Thomas.